QLD Smart Ticketing - Open Payment

[SurfRail]

Depends what it includes.  It's still cheaper than the Opal and myki rollout by far, both were $1bn - $1.5bn.

Some of the stand-alone readers must be getting a bit long in the tooth, and they were never terribly good to begin with.

[achiruel]

Ok, if it includes readers that makes more sense. I thought it was just for a backend/software upgrade.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1009212873241870336

[ozbob]

^ makes sense to stick with Cubic.  No issue from me.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/RMorrison9/status/1009215648524746752

[verbatim9]

That was fast and unexpected. The other day it was mooted that the end of the year it would be announced. Makes sense to keep Cubic.

[tuxcomputers]

That was fast and unexpected. The other day it was mooted that the end of the year it would be announced. Makes sense to keep Cubic.

Fast? The tender process has been happening for the last 3 years.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/6/20/palaszczuk-government-adopts-hitech-transport-payment-across-queensland

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Palaszczuk Government adopts hi-tech transport payment across Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government is modernising transport across the Sunshine State, and will soon roll out a new system where commuters will be able to use their contactless debit or credit cards, smart phones and smart watches to pay for trips in addition to go card and paper tickets, with $371.1 million committed in this year's budget.

Importantly, regional Queensland will not be left behind, with current go card operator Cubic, due to deliver the new system in 18 regional areas, as well as the metropolitan south east, after being selected as the successful tenderer following a competitive global procurement process.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had allocated $371.1 million to roll out the system including new readers, quicker fare gates and system equipment, an updated app platform, real-time and new ticketing equipment on urban buses.

"The new ticketing system is an exciting chance to expand our ticketing options and to give public transport customers more flexibility, and in this year alone we have allocated nearly $90 million to get this project underway," he said.

"I am very excited about this project, and to be able to announce the successful proponent - Cubic - today.

"This is about embracing technologies that have become available since the go card launched in 2008.

"It took a Labor Government to modernise and integrate ticketing across South East Queensland, and the Palaszczuk Labor Government will now again transform the system by delivering this new ticketing solution."

Mr Bailey said the new system would be an Australian first, building on proven technology used by millions of people in London, Chicago and Vancouver.

"This is a new, hi-tech system that will make it easier for all Queenslanders from Cairns to Coolangatta to catch public transport," Mr Bailey said.

"Customers will still be able to keep using both go cards and paper tickets once the new system is implemented, ultimately offering even more ways to conveniently pay for public transport.

"go card has served SEQ commuters well for the last decade but we are now delivering a payment evolution offering more flexibility, increased accessibility and security.

"Having a more convenient payment system will also encourage more people to use public transport.

"This system gives us future flexibility to add other transport modes and payment options."

Mr Bailey said the new system would also include additional encrypted bank grade security and privacy protection for commuters.

"We'll also be introducing a statewide payment system rather than just SEQ alone, including on urban buses in 18 different regional areas where qconnect services run.

"This means that for the first time commuters and tourists in those regional areas will have integrated ticketing – making public transport easier and hopefully helping to boost regional tourism.

"It will also mean that we will be able to deliver real time tracking for the first time in regional areas. 

"The system will of course need to be designed, built and tested before trials are launched."

Customers will be able to set up an account via a new app or web platform and have the choice of several payment methods — including go card and paper tickets. They will also be able to use major contactless credit and bank cards without the need to set up an account.

"I want to reassure people that they will still be able to continue to buy paper tickets and use their go cards under this new system," Mr Bailey said.

"The system will give them the choice to use the payment method that is most convenient and comfortable for them."

The project will be delivered in the next four years. Detailed design, development and implementation planning will be undertaken first and this will establish the exact rollout timeframes.

The 18 regional areas include: Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville and Magnetic Island, Bowen, Airlie Beach and Proserpine, Mackay, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Sunshine Coast hinterland,  North Stradbroke Island, Kilcoy/Woodford to Caboolture, Toowoomba and Warwick.

For public transport information, download the My TransLink app, visit the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au (external site) or contact the call centre on 13 12 30, anytime.

ENDS

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1009220374779736064

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Time is near for Queenslanders to buy train ticket with a watch

Commuters will be able to use their smartphone or watch to buy their ticket on public transport in a $371.1 million overhaul of the current system.

The present Go Card operator, Cubic, was on Wednesday announced the winner of a tender process to deliver the new contactless system, which will also allow payment with debit or credit cards, in 18 regional areas and south-east Queensland.

Customers will still be able to use Go Cards and paper tickets under the new system.

Cubic Asia Pacific senior vice-president Tom Walker said 13,500 contact points would need to be replaced but insisted the works would have no impact on services.

Mr Walker said when the contactless bank card upgrade was rolled out in London, there was an "extraordinary increase in patronage".

"And we would expect the same to happen in Queensland," he said.

"People are really attracted to public transport, given the convenience of using a bank card."

Transport Minister Mark Bailey was unable to outline when the ticketing system would be in place for passengers to use but said it would be available in the "coming years".

The system will also be in place in regional areas, including Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach and Proserpine, Mackay, Rockhampton, North Stradbroke Island, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Maryborough and Warwick.

"This means that for the first time, commuters and tourists in those regional areas will have an integrated ticket - making public transport easier and hopefully helping to boost regional tourism," Mr Bailey said.

"It will also mean that we will be able to deliver real-time tracking for the first time in regional areas."

Commuters would be able to set up an account via a new app or website, and have the choice of several payment methods, including Go Cards and paper tickets.

But people would be able to use major contactless credit and bank cards without the need to set up an account.

Mr Bailey said the system would have "bank grade security".

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1009216818852945920

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Australian first a big win for Queensland

QUEENSLAND will be the first state in the nation to introduce new and modernised technology to pay for public transport, but the big job ensures the project won't be a speedy one.

The Palaszczuk Government will roll out the project in the next four years, allocating $371.1m from this year's Budget, which will also include new readers, quicker fare gates and system equipment, an updated app platform as well as real-time and new ticketing equipment on urban buses.

The Go Card will remain a source of payment for public transport, but commuters will have the option to use their contactless debit or credit cards, smartphones and smart watches to pay for trips.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the project is an Australian first, and will include commuters in regional Queensland.

"It's also fantastic news for regional public transport commuters that have had a different system to southeast Queensland," he said.

"For the first time, regional Queenslanders will have exactly the same contactless payment system for public transport."

Mr Bailey today announced the successful proponent was Cubic, with senior vice president and managing director Tom Walker saying the project will be "managed, engineered, integrated, tested and serviced in Queensland".

Mr Walker said while the project will be rolled out across four years, it will be progressive with some features delivered along the way.

The technology is set to bring Queensland up with the likes of London, Chicago and Vancouver where the system is reportedly wildly successful.

Mr Bailey said the payment system will be introduced on urban buses in 18 different regional areas where qconnect services run including Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville and Magnetic Island, Bowen, Airlie Beach and Proserpine, Mackay, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Sunshine Coast hinterland, North Stradbroke Island, Kilcoy/Woodford to Caboolture, Toowoomba and Warwick.

Mr Walker said it was a big task ahead, with 13,500 current contact points needing to be replaced to upgrade the system.

Commuters will be able to still buy paper tickets and use their Go Cards if preferred, with Mr Bailey adding the system will include encrypted bank grade security and privacy protection.

HOW IT WORKS

Customers will set up an account through the new app which will be designed or by web platform. They will have a choice of several payment methods including go card and paper tickets.

Commuters will also be able to use major contactless credit and bank cards without needing to set up an account.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th June 2018

New fare payment system a win for Queensland

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track welcomes today's announcement by Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey that Cubic Transportation Systems will deliver the the New open payment system for public transport throughout Queensland (1).  Cubic is the current go card operator and it does make sense for them to deliver the new system, particularly as they have global experience in open payment systems.

Particularly welcome is the roll out to regional Queensland (urban bus) as well as SEQ.  This means that as people travel through the great state of Queensland they will be able to seamlessly travel on local public transport using their go card or other open payment options such as smart phones, bank cards and other smart wearable devices.

Public transport patronage is very likely to increase significantly as roll out of the new transport payment system proceeds.  It is therefore important that we focus on building up our bus and rail networks throughout Queensland to cope.

Congratulations to Cubic Transportation Systems, and to TransLink, and all involved in the lengthy tender process.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

1. Statement: Palaszczuk Government adopts hi-tech transport payment across Queensland
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/6/20/palaszczuk-government-adopts-hitech-transport-payment-across-queensland

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1009274113616052225

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1009274719403569153

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1009283487679930368

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TTFAus/status/1009284399987191811

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1009325413703667712

[red dragin]

Who'd of thought, 297 replies to a thread on Ticking 

Next Generation Ticking - Open Payment

[ozbob]

Who'd of thought, 297 replies to a thread on Ticking 

Next Generation Ticking - Open Payment

Thanks

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/tennewsqld/status/1009338973884276737

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1009349053019127808

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/CubicTS/status/1009415772471377925

[ozbob]

https://www.cubic.com/news-events/news/cubic-selected-provide-queenslands-new-ticketing-system

Cubic Transportation Systems expands footprint in Australia with first system-wide deployment of advanced ticketing and payment technologies

SAN DIEGO –  June 20, 2018 – Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced its  Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) business division has been selected by the Queensland Department of Transport & Main Roads (DTMR) to provide a  new ticketing system  for the state. 

Cubic has been awarded the contract, worth approximately $276 million (AU$371 million), to design, build and operate the new ticketing system as part of Queensland's investment in ticketing.

Cubic will be responsible for upgrading the current system to incorporate some of the world's most advanced ticketing technologies including contactless payment and next-generation real-time passenger information. Operation and maintenance of the system are also included in the agreement. The new system will enable Queensland commuters to use bankcards, mobile phones and personal electronic devices including watches to pay for travel on public transport.

"This is an exciting partnership that would provide Queenslanders with one of the most advanced, flexible and secure public transport payment systems in the world," said Mark Bailey, Queensland's Minister for Transport and Main Roads. "This payment solution will bring more convenience and freedom of choice for commuters. We're delighted that proven technology already used across London, Chicago and Vancouver will be further enhanced for the benefit of Queensland commuters."

"The Queensland contract award is a testament to Cubic's commitment in revolutionizing fare payment systems," said Bradley H. Feldmann, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Cubic Corporation. "We look forward to leveraging our world-class technologies to deliver a system that will improve travelers' daily commutes."

"This new ticketing system to be installed by Cubic will provide Queensland commuters with more options and greater payment flexibility in how to pay their fares," said Matt Cole, president, Cubic Transportation Systems. "Riders want speed, convenience and a more efficient travel experience. The new ticketing system will deliver just that."

"Cubic is delighted to have been selected for this landmark project," said Tom Walker, senior vice president and managing director of CTS Asia-Pacific. "This cements the very strong partnership between Cubic and DTMR that has been established since we were originally awarded the go card contract in 2003."

Cubic based its Queensland bid on the company's strong credentials in proven technology and experience in designing, installing and operating projects, as well as its financial strength and depth of resources.

The company's expertise in advanced ticketing and payment technologies has been demonstrated in recent months with new contract wins for the installation of new systems in New York and Boston.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 22nd June 2018 page 35

Payment system a transport victory

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1009837432538214402

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1010054803198808064

[tuxcomputers]

Remember ANY reports of the goCard "death" are lies and probably deliberate lies.

The technology inside the card is changing for new cards but you will be able to use your old card on the new system.

[ozbob]

Remember ANY reports of the goCard "death" are lies and probably deliberate lies.

The technology inside the card is changing for new cards but you will be able to use your old card on the new system.

Thanks Tux 

[verbatim9]

Must be getting close to the testing phase with "debit/credit card" "touch on/off" on the Airport line, as earlier reported?

[verbatim9]

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6563.msg216818.msg#216818

^^I am sure this is the aim in Qld to go paper ticket free and cashless with Next Generation Ticketing.

[verbatim9]

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6563.msg216889.msg#216889

^^If this can be also done at the go card gates at Brisbane Airport, then the deposit for the Go card can potentially be reduced back down to $5?

[verbatim9]

Cross post as inter related.

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=195.msg217930.msg#217930

[verbatim9]

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6563.msg220310.msg#220310

I hope the cap comes back to QLD with Next Generation Ticketing?

Re: Implementation of some test sites must be coming up soon? Airport line? BCC buses?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> The smart money is on your phone to replace Go Card in Brisbane soon

For some commuters, the time has come for the Go Card to go.

Public testing for Queenslanders to ride trains, buses and ferries without having to touch on and off with a Go Card was weeks away, Queensland's Transport Minister confirmed.

Instead, "smart ticketing" would see passengers use their credit card, mobile phone or smartwatch to catch public transport.

Tests would begin in the second half of 2019, after the Queensland government allocated $371 million in last year's budget for smart ticketing.

From that figure, $90 million was allocated to introduce the technology in 2018-19, and $2 million set aside for a trial and pilot program.

About 1.3 billion trips have been made with Go Cards since their introduction in February 2008.

There are now about 150 million Go Card trips each week on buses, trains and ferries.

Cubic, the company that developed the Go Card in Queensland, on Wednesday confirmed it was introducing "contactless" transit cards in Chicago and New York, before turning its attention to Queensland.

In Chicago and New York, commuters used smartphones and credit cards which did not need to touch a sensor. While those contactless systems were linked to the Apple Wallet payment app, Queensland's system would not be specifically tied to Apple software, Brisbane Times was told.

Contactless payment schemes are in London and Sydney, however their touch-card systems - the Oyster card in London and the Opal card in Sydney - remain.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said contactless payments would be trialled after the budget.

"We expect to start initial trials for the new smart ticketing system in the coming months," Mr Bailey said.

"We will use the insights we gather from customers to ensure the new system meets the travel needs of all Queenslanders," he said.

The Queensland government signed an extended three-year contract with Cubic in June 2018 to introduce the contactless public transport system.

Mr Bailey said Queensland's scheme would be fine-tuned after the public trials, which would include regional areas.

"Cubic is working with us to ensure Queensland's next transport ticketing system will be an Australian first, building on technology already used by millions of people in London, Chicago and Vancouver," Mr Bailey said.

"Smart ticketing will give customers more and easier payment options."

Mr Bailey said smart ticketing would speed up boarding and exiting.

"Over the next four years, we'll design, plan, build and test new ways to pay," Mr Bailey said.

"We also want to design a flexible system that can adapt with and accept payments from new technology and products as they come on to the market.

"If it's done right, then there shouldn't need to be an overhaul and redesign the system on the scale we're pursuing now."

The payment system should be well on track by the time Brisbane's new underground rail network, Cross River Rail, is operational.

Mr Bailey said the Go Card would remain as the newer technology was introduced.

"If you're one of those people who love the Go Card, I'm pleased to say you will still be able to continue using it once we introduce these new ways to pay," he said.

Other parts of the Go Card hardware will need to be replaced.

"Our public transport network covers one of the largest geographical areas on the planet, which means nearly 1300 fixed devices and over 12,000 on-board devices will need to be replaced as the new system is rolled out."

Touch and go: The Go Card timeline

July 2003 – Cubic wins the $134 million contract to run Queensland's Go Card scheme.

February 2008 – Go Cards are launched in Brisbane after trials in Redcliffe.

2014 – Queensland government begins to look for upgrades

2017 –New contract meant to be signed by Queensland government

June 2018 – Cubic signed to deliver contactless system

Mid-2019 – First trials of smartphones, credit cards, smartwatches as payment options.

[ozbob]

One of the problems with open payment is that the usual benefits associated with the smart card ticketing product such as caps, off peak discounts and so forth don't always apply.  They are in fact an expensive way to regularly travel at present compared to the base card.

For opal if you consistently use the same contactless card or linked device to tap on and tap off, you may qualify for Opal daily, weekly and Sunday fare caps but no other Opal benefits apply ( https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/contactless-payments ).

Same with myki - not all benefits via open payment ( https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/mobile-myki/mobile-myki-frequently-asked-questions/ )

I would hope that with the go card open payment there is a better outcome for regular users.  For irregular users not so much.

[verbatim9]

One of the problems with open payment is that the usual benefits associated with the smart card ticketing product such as caps, off peak discounts and so forth don't always apply.  They are in fact an expensive way to regularly travel at present compared to the base card.

For opal if you consistently use the same contactless card or linked device to tap on and tap off, you may qualify for Opal daily, weekly and Sunday fare caps but no other Opal benefits apply ( https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/contactless-payments ).

Same with myki - not all benefits via open payment ( https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/mobile-myki/mobile-myki-frequently-asked-questions/ )

I would hope that with the go card open payment there is a better outcome for regular users.  For irregular users not so much.

True that. I think credit card and debit card touch ons and offs should be calculated @ 20% off the paper ticket price, or equal to a standard Go Card calculated fare (peak and off peak). No need for an incentive scheme and so forth as credit card and debit card touch ons are designed for the casual user and visitors in mind. A virtual Go card with all the regular incentives will definitely be advantageous. Paper ticketing should be phased out as quickly as possible when next generation ticketing is in full operation statewide.

I wonder how it works when you casually travel in a family or group.
Does everyone need a debit or credit card to touch on with? Not all kids have debit cards on hand, but that might be the way of the future?

^^Disregard that question. It seems that contactless payments are designed for adult fares. Kids might need to vitualise a child go card on their NFC enabled smart device or wearable.

[JustSomeTrainGuy]

Next Gen Ticketing is a step in the right direction, but Apple currently does not allow third parties access to its NFC functionality, meaning "virtual" go cards will not be available on iPhone for some time. Although, it does appear that may change (unconfirmed)

https://www.techspot.com/news/79756-apple-may-expand-iphone-nfc-tech-third-party.html

[verbatim9]

Next Gen Ticketing is a step in the right direction, but Apple currently does not allow third parties access to its NFC functionality, meaning "virtual" go cards will not be available on iPhone for some time. Although, it does appear that may change (unconfirmed)

https://www.techspot.com/news/79756-apple-may-expand-iphone-nfc-tech-third-party.html

Yeah that's a dilemma, Google does though via Google Pay

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1123874680950149120

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th May 2019

What's the go with open payment for the go?

Good Morning,

There has been renewed interest in the introduction of the new payment system for public transport fares in Queensland this past week. This is not new - Contactless payment adopted on Qld transport June 2018 https://www.govtechreview.com.au/content/gov-mobility/news/contactless-payment-adopted-on-qld-transport-1214069530

Open payment means the introduction new alternate ways to pay, including contactless debit and credit cards, smartphones and wearable devices (such as smart watches), a good thing in principle.
There some concerns that need to be answered though.

One of the problems with open payment at present is that the usual benefits associated with the smart card ticketing product such as caps, off peak discounts and so forth don't always apply.  Open payment is in fact an expensive way to regularly travel at present compared to the base card in jurisdictions that already have open payment.

For opal (Sydney) if you consistently use the same contactless card or linked device to tap on and tap off, you may qualify for Opal daily, weekly and Sunday fare caps but no other Opal benefits apply ( https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/contactless-payments ).

Same with myki (Melbourne) - not all benefits via open payment ( https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/mobile-myki/mobile-myki-frequently-asked-questions/ )

What is planned for the new payment system for Queensland?  If there is a cost disadvantage to using open payment as compared to the base go card uptake might not be as high as touted. This needs detailed clarification.

Additionally where is the public consultation on this?  In 2016 as a result the Fare Review Taskforce, the Government recommended that a Public Transport Fares Advisory Panel (PTFAP) be formed.  This was not done until July 2018, following questions in Parliament Estimates ( https://cabinet.qld.gov.au/documents/2018/Jul/ApptFaresPanel/Appointments%20to%20Public%20Transport%20Fares%20Advisory%20Panel.docx).  Publicly, we have heard nothing about the PTFAP or if there have been meetings or engagement with the public since.

A major change such as is planned with the new payment system needs to engage the public properly. Spin and gloss media is not consultation.  Top down implementations without in depth public consultation are doomed to failure.

Best wishes,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org